Monday, June 1, 2009

Question for the masses re: Hemingway and Fitzgerald

I am calling all readers of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Though I have read much of this work, I regret to say that I cannot recall it (mainly Hemingway) and this is simply unacceptable to me. I therefore beseech you, which Hemingway and/or Fitzgerald* should one begin with? Here are my criteria:

  • Important in the grand scheme of literature BUT
  • Entertaining
  • Moving
  • Relatively short
As you can see, my standards are not too high, and since that rarely happens, I'm hoping you'll jump through this window of opportunity. Yes, that's right. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but..."Tell me what to read!"

cordially,

Mme. Bookling



*obviously, i've read, remember, and even taught The Great Gatsby. sheesh.

2 comments:

Leiflet said...

i just bought snows of kilimanjaro and farewell to arms at our library's book sale, which are supposed to be two of his best. I used to think Hemmingway was so dull, mostly because i read The Old Man and the Sea in high school.

We read a series of his short stories in 20th c. am. lit, and i was blown away. I think that anything he's written (hm, except old man and the sea) is pretty amazing.

and apparently, he was a cross dresser too!

Jenn said...

I know this comment is a little late, but Hemmingway's The Sun Also Rises. I have lost myself in this book more times than I care to count.